The cooperation with Germany in developing vocational education
The Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) in collaboration with the German Embassy in Latvia, the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia and the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia has launched a mutual cooperation of both countries in vocational education by learning the German experience. In April 2011 several headmasters of vocational schools and specialists from MoES went to an experience exchange visit arranged by the Embassy of the German Federal Republic in Latvia. During this visit the participants visited vocational education centres, schools and enterprises of metal and construction industry in Schwerin and Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The German vocational education is famous for its dual education system traditions, i.e. education system is closely related to the practice in workplace. During the education students conclude contracts with companies; theoretical studies are held in public schools, but practical training – at companies. The enterprises also enter into contracts with vocational education centres for ensuring the acquisition of professional standards’ section, which are impossible to acquire at the company. It is important that in the vocational education centres students learn using the equipment, which is also at the relevant company.
Vocational education centres in Germany function as enterprises, as well, i.e. they provide education courses, organize further education for teachers and employees. At the same time, enterprises support vocational education, because they believe that investment in education is an investment in the future.
Continuing the cooperation, on July 11-23, the headmasters of future vocational education competence centres will go to Germany to get acquainted with the country’s experience regarding the cooperation with sectoral professional organizations. This experience will help in promoting education implementation close to the practice at the Latvian vocational education competence centres.
Furthermore, it is planned that approximately 180-200 vocational education teachers will participate in one month experience exchange cycle at the German vocational education centres and enterprises.
Source: MoES
